A “What If” Union Pacific GMD-1A

ABOVE: Though Union Pacific didn’t roster any GMD-1As, here’s what a contemporary roster member might look like.

A “What If” Union Pacific GMD-1A

by Shane T. Mason, Assistant Editor

I just finished up a custom paint and decal job on a Rapido Trains’ N-scale GMD-1A diesel locomotive model this weekend. Union Pacific 348, carrying “UPY” reporting marks, started life as an undecorated DC model. I used Tamiya paints, Microscale decals, and finished off with hand-mixed weathering for age and reflective tape on the sills. Its not my best work but I’m pretty happy with the way this one came out.

ABOVE: In today’s North American railroading scene, nearly anything is possible it seems. While Union Pacific didn’t own this Canadian-built switcher, it looks the part of a 21st century member of the road’s fleet of UPY motive power.

This curious “what if” model looks great on the layout and sounds even better than it looks with a ESU LokSound 5 micro under its hood. Over all a really neat and very detailed model.

Though the railroad bought a wide variety of diesel switchers from a range of builders, it should be noted Union Pacific never owned any GMD-1 examples. General Motors Diesel (GMD) built these unique-looking locomotives first in 1958. You can learn about the prototype by visiting Rapido Trains’ GMD-1 Master Class webpage.

Rapido Trains
500 Alden Road, Unit 21
Markham, Ontario, L3R 5H5
Canada
855-572-6917

 

 


September 2020Read a review of Rapido Trains’ N-scale GMD-1 in the September 2020 issue of Model Railroad News! Subscribe Today!

This article was posted on: September 21, 2020